Winners of the British Citizen Awards (BCA) have been announced at a prestigious ceremony at Westminster, hosted by Lord Navnit Dholakia.
Now in their sixth year, the BCA exist to recognise individuals who contribute to society by making life better for others. All awardees are selfless in their endeavour, all care enormously about their cause, all are humane and humble and are truly inspirational.
Among the 31 medal recipients were Nishall Garala from Essex who has been working in his community since he was first elected on the local Youth Council at the age of 13, where he served for 6 years. Now 21, Nishall’s passion is to give a voice to young people in Harlow. The local press has described him an ‘Ambassador’ of the town due to is commitment to his local community.
Also, Jagraj ‘Jag’ Poselay from Walsall, a selfless man, passionate about fundraising for local independent charities. He works 50-hour per week as a delivery driver, and also has three Autistic sons. Last year Jag helped a local teenager who suffers from Celebral Palsy to fulfil his dream of riding a bike. Jag raised £1,800 in one week, and together with other funds raised was able to provide the boy with a specially adapted bike.
Andrew Barker from Oxfordshire was also honoured. Collecting his medal and returning to his table, his mother gave him a proud smile and a pat on his back as he choked back tears of joy. Andrew suffered a brain injury at birth and spent his early life in the Special Care Baby Unit. Despite his challenges, he has achieved incredible grades in his A-Levels, surpassing his teachers’ expectations.
In his speech, Lord Dholakia said that the press, in particular newspapers were littered with negative stories day in day out and made a plea to the press to cover positive, real-life stories of individuals, such as recipients of the BCA medals in an attempt that such stories would inspire and motivate others to do the same.
Held at Westminster on Thursday, a fortnight ago the glittering ceremony was divided in three parts; afternoon tea with medallists; then a Lap of Honour on board a BCA branded open roof bus for a tour of central London; finally, a certificate presentation at Church House. A moving speech was delivered by Lonnie Mayne, founder of Red Shoes Living, an inspirational speaker. The host was Michael Underwood, the charming ITV News presenter.
